Best Public Infrastructure Grants in New Mexico

New Mexico tribal governments seeking funding for community infrastructure projects like water, wastewater, roads, or power lines can apply to this competitive Tribal Infrastructure Fund. Grants from State of New Mexico IAD help New Mexico public infrastructure projects in federally recognized Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes develop robust proposals reviewed by a Tribal Infrastructure Board.

Local and state government entities in New Mexico seeking to acquire, develop, or expand outdoor recreation areas and related public infrastructure can apply for the Land & Water Conservation Fund, with awards up to US $500,000. Administered by the New Mexico Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, this matching reimbursement program supports parks, trails, wetlands, and resource protection projects.

Local public bodies and small, non-entitlement communities in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects through the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration’s Community Development Block Grant program; awards up to US $500,000 support infrastructure needs like water, sanitation, waste management, and other capital projects listed in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets offering workforce preparation, youth development, or community accessibility programs in New Mexico can apply for funding from RBC Foundation USA. The foundation supports job-readiness skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmentally sustainable community spaces in U.S. communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

Researchers, public agencies, and policy organizations in New Mexico working on transportation infrastructure and policy can seek up to US $200,000 for research, data, and implementation projects. With a mission to improve U.S. infrastructure systems, Arnold Ventures provides support for studies on capital investment reform, project delivery costs, permitting, governance, and related transportation policy issues.

Very small, financially distressed rural governments, nonprofits, and tribes in New Mexico can use this program to fund predevelopment planning for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible applicants to seek support for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for future construction projects.

Researchers and research institutions in the U.S. can apply for Arnold Ventures funding to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies, including those affecting public infrastructure. Grants support causal research in areas such as higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, reproductive health, and public finance, helping inform policymakers and improve public systems in New Mexico and beyond.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in New Mexico can seek funding for public infrastructure projects focused on unsafe or aging bridges. Focused on bridge improvement, the Federal Highway Administration invites applications year-round for planning, design, engineering, construction, rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety or anti-icing countermeasures for eligible Tribal Transportation Program bridges in poor condition.

New Mexico public infrastructure and transportation agencies, state and local governments, Tribal governments, counties, and port authorities can access funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for major surface transportation projects. This US Department of Transportation grant supports multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional projects with significant local or regional impact, with awards up to US $25,000,000.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal organizations, and other eligible entities working on traffic safety and public infrastructure in New Mexico can seek funding to implement innovative, evidence-based countermeasures that reduce road fatalities. Grants from the National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Coalition support Safe System approaches, life‑saving technologies, and projects with measurable, scalable results across the U.S.

Public agencies and partners seeking to deploy advanced transportation technologies for safety, mobility, and congestion management in New Mexico and across the U.S. can apply for the ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program, offering up to US $12,000,000. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized New Mexico cities can receive up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects that address dangerous or divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors program offers a yearlong cohort with training, support, and in-person convening to advance public infrastructure and reconnect neighborhoods.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The Impact Aid Discretionary Construction Grant Program (84.041C) offers $19M in funding to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to address urgent school facility needs. This initiative supports repairs, renovations, or replacements required to maintain safe educational environments. Grants cover projects that improve accessibility in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensure that facilities meet health standards. The program aims to enhance learning conditions by responding effectively to emergency situations.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company

One of the largest employee-managed funds of its kind in the world, the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company has empowered employees to make a greater impact by pooling their tax-deductible donations for more than 60 years. Employee-led grantmaking committees at 20 Boeing sites provide combined employee donations to nonprofits in their communities through ECF grants.

Charitable or educational organizations can apply for grants from the Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company.

Puget Sound Chapter

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of Boeing Puget Sound is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF focus areas

ECF makes grants to 501(c)(3) Health & Human Service nonprofits such as food banks, job-training programs, shelters, transitional housing, mental health services, and low-income medical clinics. ECF seeks the direct client benefit of each grant to ensure that our employees’ contributions directly help those in need.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

ECF of Boeing Company: Puget Sound Chapter Supporting Grants

Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure.

• Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.
• Supporting grants will be considered only for agencies benefiting residents in the Puget Sound Region.
• Supporting grants help agencies continue to effectively provide services through enhanced direct client benefit by aiding them in procuring and/or paying for items such as:
  • Equipment (ex. office, kitchen, industrial, furniture, etc.)
  • Vehicles used to support clients and/or transport food and/or goods (cost of vehicle and accommodations, tax, and licensing only; operating expenses, such as insurance, fuel, etc. is not allowed)
  • Phone systems
  • Cell phones for direct client use
  • Remodels and/or renovations (must hold at least a 10-year lease or own the building)
  • Purchase or construction of new buildings
  • Computers or tablets for direct client benefit and/or use
  • Software for direct client benefit and/or use (ex. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device)
  • Information Technology expenses, without which procured tools would not work
  • External improvements for client safety (i.e. security system, exterior lighting, improved ADA accessibility, new or refinished pavement or concrete)
• Supporting grants which are accepted must be spent as approved within nine (9) months.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program aims to support states and local governments in enhancing their DNA analysis capabilities. By providing funding for existing crime laboratories, this initiative seeks to increase the processing capacity for DNA samples, thereby reducing the backlog in forensic DNA analysis and ensuring timely entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Applications are due by November 5, 2026.

Public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities in New Mexico can seek support for health, sustainability, education, and community development projects. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S.-based charities and public agencies, with emphasis on communities near its operations, including initiatives that improve public infrastructure, safety, and access to essential services.

The Prioritization Process Pilot Program (PPPP) Competitive Grant Program, funded by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, offers up to $26 million for innovative transportation planning in FYs 2024-2026. Grants of up to $2 million will support the development of transparent, data-driven prioritization processes for project selection in transportation plans, ensuring that funded projects deliver public benefits and meet community needs.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

Individuals, nonprofits, academic institutions, and other entities in New Mexico and worldwide can apply for Centre for Effective Altruism’s EA Infrastructure Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $500,000 for projects that strengthen effective altruism infrastructure. Funding can support community-building, research, fundraising, or other initiatives that improve access to talent, capital, and knowledge.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Creation & Development Fund, administered by the National Performance Network, supports the creation and mobility of artistic works that promote racial and cultural justice. It fosters collaboration between artists and communities through financial support, enabling artists to develop meaningful relationships and present their work. The fund emphasizes equity, access, and the importance of public engagement, ensuring that diverse voices are represented while addressing systemic injustices in the arts.

The Sparklight/Cable One Charitable Giving Fund supports local nonprofits and organizations focused on education, food insecurity, and community development. They prioritize impactful partnerships that strengthen communities. The fund welcomes various funding requests, including special projects and capital campaigns, while adhering to specific eligibility requirements such as tax-exempt status. However, they do not fund basic operating expenses, loans, or religious organizations for general support, ensuring that their contributions foster meaningful community growth.

The Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Corridor Community Grants, provided by Keep America Beautiful, aim to empower communities to revitalize and beautify MLK corridors across the U.S. These grants support various projects, including murals, community gardens, and cleanup efforts, contributing to the initiative's goal of beautifying 25,000 communities by 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations, with a focus on sustainable impacts and local engagement.